Slow Computer

[kimbrothers]

Hi! My computer is running slow lately. I tried to defrag yesterday and it became faster, but now it's quite slow again. My physical memory is almost always at 90% because of Chrome, and it takes a few seconds to switch tabs or switch programs. Before, I can use Photoshop, Chrome, iTunes, and other programs without problems.

Here are the specs of my computer:
Windows 7 Professional 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601
Processor: AMD FX(tm)-4100 Quad-Core Processor, 4068 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
Installed Physical Memory (RAM): 2.00GB
Total Physical Memory: 1.00GB
Total Virtual Memory: 3.02GB

Help is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Edit:
I just read some of the other threads and tried installing Malwarebytes. My computer became much slower and it froze for about 20 seconds before working again. The scan is still ongoing.

 

[PeaB4YouGo]

There seems to be some discrepancy regarding "Installed Physical Memory" vs "Total Physical Memory". In my mind, they should be the same number. They're the same thing.

I'd run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html . If you're SURE that 2G is installed, then I'd be interested to know the results of this test. One more question - What shows when you go to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\System?

If this turns out the way I suspect, you may need to climb inside the case. Are you prepared for some work on the internals, or do you know someone who can do (and is qualified to do) the work?

 

[kimbrothers]

Control Panel shows this:
Installed memory (RAM): 2.00 GB (1.00 GB usable)

As for the Memtest, I'll try to do it overnight or tomorrow night. And I can probably ask my sibling to do the work on the internals because she's far more knowledgeable with computers than I am.

And results of the Malwarebyte showed one Trojan Back Door. I already removed this threat.

 

[PeaB4YouGo]

Have you installed anything (programs, hardware, etc...) recently? Anything new in the system tray? Any processes running in Task Manager that you don't recognize?

Be sure to backup your sys before doing much of anything else. (BTW, have you tried a sys restore to a date before the slowdown?)

I know that there are people in the forum who don't like it, but I've been using CCleaner - PC Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download all along. My sys has it's quirks, like most every sys I've seen, but IMO, if you use ONE system cleaner, and stay with it, you can't go too far off base.

 

[kimbrothers]

I haven't installed anything and there is nothing suspicious in Task Manager. I haven't tried system restore yet. And I use CCleaner everyday :/ Is it possible that I just need a bigger RAM? Because the physical memory is almost always full and most of the space is taken up by Chrome.

 

[andrew129260]

Do not do a system restore if malware bytes removed a threat! You will recover the threat.
In fact, I would delete your restore points, as malware loves to secretly restore itself during the boot process. You mentioned it was a backdoor, that is a very serious threat. I would go so far to visit several forums around the web that assist with virus removal.
If it found one threat, I suggest a boot scan with your antivirus as well. If you do not have one already, try Avast!

www.avast.com (Make sure to check the free one.)

I would also highly suggest adding 2 more gigs of Ram.
I recommended 4GB of ram for any system. Unless all your doing is web browsing and storing pictures. Just family stuff can be fine on 1gb or 2gb.

You stated your using photoshop and Itunes. Both of these programs use heavy services running in the background, and start up with your machine. Threats+Low Ram =slowness

You only have 1GB of system ram, as your graphics card is using the other 1GB. The graphics card is shared memory. The way you know this is because when you go to system properties it says only 1GB is usable out of the total 2 that you have. I would recommend at least adding another Gig of ram.
(I recommend 4gb of system ram.)

Use this site to find out what you need. This will ensure you buy the correct ram for your system. And it is very easy to install. There are guides on there site as well as youtube.

I noticed you have windows 7 32 bit. So the most amount of ram you can have installed is 4gb of ram.

Let us know what you think of my response and what you plan on doing. Adding more Ram will seriously be a noticeable improvement.

After you install the new Ram, rerun the windows experience index. This will allow windows to configure your performance and recommended settings automatically.

 

[kimbrothers]

Thanks for the answers!

I just had a full scan using Avast and no threats were detected. I guess the only option left is to add RAM?

 

[Derek10]

You have something wrong with your RAM, you Windows is basically using only half of it. Maybe you should replace or reseat it or clean the constacts.
Or if you are using an onboard GFX, try lowering the allocated video memory in BIOS.

 

[gregrocker]

Do the booted CD RAM test now for 5-6 passes or overnight.

I'd also burn to CD http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/166445-microsoft-standalone-system-sweeper.html to do a full boot scan. Run Malwarebytes again.

Then after you've confirmed RAM and infection is cleaned up run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html.

I would not run CCleaner daily - that's gross overkill. Maybe monthly or even less often if it doesn't find 1gb to clean up.

Do a Puran Boot Time defrag with full Disk Check to perfectly order the HD while WIn7 is not running, and check the file system.

If necessary uninstall Chrome to see how it runs with Firefox or IE10.

Make sure you have all Windows Updates current including Optional. Enable first Option 3 from http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2803-device-installation-settings.html

If these don't help work through the other http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220165-troubleshooting-steps-windows-7-a.html to go over your install.

 

[Layback Bear]

Photoshop and 1 gig of usable ram is not going to work well if at all. To put it plain and simple you are asking your computer to do things it doesn't have enough ram to do.
From post #1

Installed Physical Memory (RAM): 2.00GB
Total Physical Memory: 1.00GB
Total Virtual Memory: 3.02GB

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Is this a store bought or custom build? With 32 bit W7 OS you'll be limited to 4gb of ram with less actually usable and in this day and age with ram so cheap it's a 64 bit OS world. Bottom line is you should consider maxing out the ram with 2x2gb ram modules and I would look to matching pairs in 1600 mhz from Corsair, Crucial, G Skills or better yet go to the mfgr's site or mobo mfgr's site and look up the approved ram off their site.

As Greg mentioned running CC cleaner that often is way overkill. If you complete the spec's on your rig we can offer better suggestions. Lastly when was the last time you open the rig up and cleaned the fans, cooler fins and such?

 

[andrew129260]

This is because...

You have something wrong with your RAM, you Windows is basically using only half of it. Maybe you should replace or reseat it or clean the constacts.
Or if you are using an onboard GFX, try lowering the allocated video memory in BIOS.

Nothing is wrong with his Ram necessarily. I am fairly certain his gpu is using that memory as well. Shared on board graphics.

@kimbrothers
I would reread my post again.

 

[gregrocker]

You can determine for certain how much RAM is apportioned to hardware by typing Resource Monitor in Start Search box and accessing its Memory tab.

And of course you determine with certainty the RAM condition by the RAM test. In this case I'd stress test it as specified.

 

[kimbrothers]

Thanks again for the replies!
I told about my parents about my slow computer and next thing I know is I woke up with 2 2GB ram modules in my computer. But still, system properties says that only 1GB is usable and 3GB is system reserved. Is this normal?

I'll probably follow Greg's suggestion and also clean up the insides of my CPU. Let's see what'll happen!

Edit:
I just restarted my computer and system properties says that I only have 2GB of ram. Gonna open my CPU to find out how many modules I really have.

After cleaning the insides of CPU, system properties now says that I have 4GB and 2.25GB is usable.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Good, that's better. W7 32bit will only allow about 3.25-3.40gb of 4gb and it looks like the balance is being used for video as mentioned. You can also try adding a fast usb thumb drive for ready boost. Something like a class 10 4gb drive should be dirt cheap and will help as the system uses it. Worth a try and expect full effect to take a couple of days and if nothing you still have a nice speedy storage drive.

 

[Layback Bear]

Very nice parents. Now you got some ram. Wish you well. Let us know how things go.

 

[andrew129260]

Congratz on the Ram. With parents who actually know how to install it. I'm impressed.

Enjoy your faster system now!

Just a suggestion, run a quick memtest with windows and see if it detects anything just to be safe.
Click rb: and then type in memory-choose windows memory diagnostic and click restart now.